SCISSORTAILED Meaning and
Definition
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Scissortailed is an adjective that describes something having the characteristics or resembling the appearance of a scissortail, typically referring to the scissortailed flycatcher, an agile, long-tailed bird native to certain parts of North and Central America. The term scissortailed is derived from the unique feature of the bird's tail, which is deeply forked and shaped like a pair of scissors.
The scissortailed flycatcher is known for its striking appearance, with a sleek body and distinct plumage. Its wings and back are a pale gray color, while its head and underparts are white. However, the most notable feature is its long, streamlined tail that is black with white outer feathers. This elegant tail, when in flight, can be seen opening and closing in a scissor-like motion, hence the name scissortailed.
This term can also extend to other objects or creatures that possess similar characteristics or share a resemblance to the scissortailed flycatcher. For example, scissortailed kites, a species of birds of prey, also have long, deeply forked tails. Additionally, scissortailed eels, a type of slender, marine eel, share a similar name due to their elongated, ribbon-like shape.
In summary, scissortailed describes anything that has qualities resembling or related to the long, forked tail of a scissortailed flycatcher or anything that has similar attributes or appearance to this unique bird.
Etymology of SCISSORTAILED
The word "scissortailed" is formed by combining two words: "scissor" and "tailed".
The term "scissor" originates from the Old French term "cisoires", which was derived from the Late Latin word "cisoria", meaning "cutting instrument". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "caedere", meaning "to cut". Over time, this term evolved into "sciss-", which refers to the action of cutting or shearing.
The word "tailed" simply means having a tail. It comes from the Old English word "taeled", which is related to the word "tail" as we know it today.
Similar spelling words for SCISSORTAILED
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